Mesenchymal stem cells and immunomodulation: current status and future prospects

Who conducted the study and which universities were involved

The paper was prepared by an international group of researchers: F. Gao, S. M. Chiu, D. A. L. Motan, Z. Zhang, L. Chen, H.-L. Ji, H.-F. Tse, Q.-L. Fu, and Q. Lian.

The authors represented several academic institutions, including The University of Hong Kong, Sun Yat-sen University (China), and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (USA). Therefore, for the website, it is better to list “International Research Group / The University of Hong Kong and collaborating institutions” rather than a single university.

What Was Studied

The authors synthesized preclinical and clinical data on how mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) interact with the immune system. In particular, they examined the effects of MSCs on T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells.

Of particular interest is the mechanism involving soluble bioactive factors. The authors consider TGF-β1, PGE2, HGF, IDO, nitric oxide, and IL-10 as potential mediators of the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs. The effect of MSCs depends on the cell’s origin, the cellular microenvironment, and the nature of the inflammatory process.

The authors also emphasize that the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immunomodulation have not yet been fully elucidated, the results of clinical studies are inconsistent, and standardization and quality control remain important challenges.

Journal: Cell Death & Disease (Nature Portfolio)

Year: 2016, Volume 7, e2062

Type: Review / scientific review.